Friday Favorites ~ February 3, 2023/Valentine Decor

Happy Friday! It seems like if you are in the North or South, it has been a cold week for everyone!  We had some ice this week and schools were closed for 3 days.  I honestly would have not guessed that at the time I went home from work Monday.  My week was spent at home doing a little cooking, a little cleaning, some work from home and then a lot of tv. This week I am focusing on just one favorite...

My favorite for the week is bringing out some Valentine decor.  This is something I don't change up too often from year to year.  I'll be honest, our home is pretty quiet these days with not much coming and going, but I still like to pull out some decor, even if it is just for my own enjoyment!

I like to keep some white lights year round on my mantle.  They come on in the evening & we have had a few fires because of the cold week!

A little Valentine pillow for the sofa

The dining room table is pretty simple with faux white tulips I bought a couple years ago from Amazon.

I hope you all have a sweet weekend!

Currently ~ February 2023

 

Yes, we made it to February!!  How many days again was January??? Let's go February.  Please do better than last month.  Thank you.  

I am linking up with one of our favorite bloggers, Jennifer, for the Currently series to talk about what we are currently loving, feeling, posting, receivng and seeing.

Loving

I am loving any time I get with my greats.  I usually just see them once a month on average for a few hours, but those hours are golden to me.  To be able to hold the little ones, get a hug, and see their faces brings me such joy.  Here is 1 of out of 8!

Feeling

I am feeling excited I am going to see my girls this weekend!  I am feeling sad for some tragedies that have affected the Memphis area lately. I am feeling discouraged in some areas of life, but trusting God for wisdom.  I am feeling grateful for this blog community!  So many feelings!  I have learned it is okay to have all these feelings.  The challenge is to use them for good and not harm.  

Posting

My goal is to post 2-3 times a week on this blog.  It may be more if there are link-ups or it may be less if I am traveling.  I posted last week about my make-up routine.  Stay tuned for a Valentine decor post and I am hoping next week to do a review on an at-home nail kit I purchased.  

Receiving

In thinking about this one, I am receivng a few things.  First, I receive lots of home design/remodel ideas from Pinterest and recent trips to home improvement stores.  My goodness, the options and creativity are endless!  Second, I am always receiving new information at work as I learn new things and try to remember all the things I have been told.  I guess I am also trying to retain information! The other thought I had on this is I am receivng prayers from friends. I am so thankful when a friend texts to let me know they are praying for me.  

Seeing

I am seeing lots of sporting events on tv....NFL football playoff games, Grizzlies NBA games, & USA vs Colombia soccer match. I am seeing the Lord convict me of some things.  I am seeing my girls grow into beautiful young adults.  I am trying to see the good around me. And this week, I am seeing lots of freezing rain fall.  It is cold here this week.

Wishing you all a good first day of a new month!

Hello Monday ~ Sun Studio

 I am going back 2 weeks ago today on the holiday when I visited Sun Studio in Memphis.  Are you familiar with this musical landmark?  If not, here is some information about this iconic place of music history:

"Sun Studio is known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll”. It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50’s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock’n'roll. Today our goal is to spread the story of Memphis’ history and culture through the music that put Memphis on the map. 

Stand in the very same spot that Elvis first recorded. Your tour guide will tell you the inside stories of B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf and Ike Turner before Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, & Roy Orbison who were all drawn to the new Sun Sound.

See the priceless memorabilia from the musical legends that blended blues and country music to explode in the "big bang" of Rock'n'roll.

Hear the voices of musicians that still haunt this studio, as you listen to outtakes from recording sessions and feel the energy of the music created here. "

​I love listening to music and have always been an Elvis fan.  I've mentioned it here before, but Elvis was my first concert.  This tour certainly talks about Elvis since this is where he made his first recording, but there is so much more in this tour.

Below is the original door that was used for the studio. This door is no longer in operation, as you enter in a door next door to this space.

Behind the original entry door....

This is the office with the original furnishings..

With the exception of this guitar presented to the studio last year after the release of the Elvis movie.

Inside the recording studio...

Looking from the front to the back of the studio

This is the same microphone Elvis used when he recorded in the studio!  The owner wanted to make sure when this opened for tours, guests would have the experience to be able to touch the same microphone.

In addition to Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others have recorded at Sun Studio. U2 recorded "Angel of Harlem", "Love Rescue Me" and "When Love Comes to Town" at Sun Studio for their famous Rattle and Hum album.  Below is the drumset of U2 when they recorded and they donated it to the studio.

This was a great tour not far from home.  If you are ever in the Memphis area and a music fan, I recommend it!

Speaking of Memphis, we have been all over the news this past weekend and not in a good light.  It is so sad and praying for peace and safety for the city.  

Monthly Musings ~ January

Happy Thursday!  January is not my favorite month and today is all about beating the winter blues.

1. Something you do to beat the winter blues

I have been meal planning this month to have a general idea of what I will be cooking. This helps eliminate one more thing to think about at night.  Feeling prepared helps me feel organized in this area!

2. Something you do for your family to bring joy over the winter

I am planning on making some Valentine treats to deliver early to my girls when I see them next week

3. Favorite cozy items

blankets, candle, hot chocolate or hot tea

4.  Winter exercise habits

I have been going to the gym an average of 2 days a week. I would like to go more, but it is a habit I am slowly buildng.

5.  Do you practice journaling or mediation

I make notes in my new devotion book I am using this year.  I like the format of this where you focus on one bible chapter a week and specifically one verse.

6.  Candles or essential oils

I do like having a candle burning most nights to feel relaxed.

7. Bedtime rituals

I need to read your tips on this because I don't sleep that great at night, well I should say, I don't sleep very long.

8.  Morning habits

This goes back to my number 5 answer!

9.  Favorite way to spend a day off

Hanging out with my greats!

10.  Favorite winter themed movie

I watch the Hallmark winter movies and am looking forward to this week's movie filmed at Glacier National Park, which is where I got married. Here I am with my family at the exact spot I got married, but this was taken on our 20th wedding anniversary.

Joining up with Patty and Holly

 

What's Up Wednesday ~ January 2023

 Hi friends! Here we go with the first installment of What's Up Wednesday for 2023!

What we're eating this week........

Sunday - taco soup served in my bowls I bought in Colombia

Monday - I splurged and made eggs!  Y'all, the price of eggs is crazy.  I also made bacon and biscuits using Carbquick.  I find this product at our local Wal-Mart.

Tuesday - pepper soup

This was a great, easy recipe.  The only slight adjustment I made was I only used 1 can of diced tomatoes and a frozen bag of mixed pepers instead of 3 bell peppers.

Wednesday - grilled chicken, cauliflower rice

Thursday - no plans!

Friday - frozen pizza

What I'm reminsicing about.........

I watched "Something from Tiffany's" and it made me reminisce and miss New York City.  

What I'm loving.........

I am loving the cold weather.  I don't really want warm weather in January or February! 

What we've been up to.........

Last weekend was super lazy.  Outside of the weekend, I have been working 3 days a week and trying to spend time with family and plan some lunch dates with friends.

What I'm dreading........

Is it too early to mention taxes?  Just know the next 3 months, taxes will be my answer.

What I'm working on........

I have been working on researching some house projects, trying to meal plan each week and just get motivated to clean and exercise.  One would think not having any kids at home I would be a little more motivated, but many days after work, I would just rather do nothing.  My cleaning routine is pretty basic and I only do laundry one or two days a week.

What I'm excited about......

I am going to see 2 of my great nieces today! And I see my girls next week! Seeing these people make me smile.  

What I'm watching.......

I watched Something from Tiffany's on Amazon Prime, which is a Christmas movie I didn't get around to watching last month.  I watched a lot of tv last weekend, including the Harry & Megan documentary.  I have mixed feelings on that.  We watched a few episodes of the show Special Forces.  It is an intense reality tv show.  

What I'm listening to.........

I feel accomplished that I have kept up-to-date with my podcasts each week.  I am listening to the Big Boo Podcast, First Thing, The Open Door Sisterhood, Making Space with Hoda Kotb, In the Face of Illness, Don't Mom Alone, Jesus Over Everything, I Hate Green Beans, I listened to the new Chris Harrison, Midlife Matters, Office Ladies, Story Tellers Live, Proverbs 31, The Voice of the Heart, Rhythms for Life, The Bestie Breakdown, Therapy and Theology and a few other misc.  All of these podcast don't air weekly, but I do listen to a lot of these! Whew!

What I'm wearing........

It has been cold the past few days, so I have worn sweaters and pants, with my favorite being the new gray Democdracy jeans I mentioned on Monday.  

What I'm doing this weekend.........

I hope to work on some house projects, bring out some Valentine decor and attend a marriage conference.

What I'm looking forward to next month........

I look forward to it not being January, ha!  I also am looking forward to seeing my girls.  We will celebrate my oldest's birthday, my youngest comes home for a weekend and we will have house guests one week.

What else is new.............

I don't have a whole lot of excitement to bring to the table this month.  February looks to be a busier month with something going on each weekend, so I am hoping it is a brighter month.

Hello Monday ~ January 23, 2023

Hello and Happy Monday! It is still chilly weather here, but no snow like in other parts of the country. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing a little more snow this winter!

Friday afternoon, I had lunch with ladies from church at Tacos 4 Life.  Are you familiar with this restaurant? A portion of every meal goes to help childhood hunger. The food is good and affordable.  

After lunch, I headed to see 4 of my greats.  I haven't seen any of them in this new year yet, so it was a fun treat.  Gosh, I love these kids.  

Afterwards, I met my parents for dinner and headed home.  I watched clips from The Muisc Man on You Tube.  I also watched clips of actual interviews of the story behind the movie The Captive (the one released in 2015, not in 2014).  This movie is based on a true story and is very interesting. It can be rented from Amazon Prime.  I had just watched this movie last week. 

Saturday, I ran a few errands but spent most of the day watching tv.  I watched all of the Harry & Megan special on Netflix, a Hallmark movie & a movie on Great American Family Channel. Needless to say, I was home alone for the weekend and it was quiet and I was lazy. Have y'all watched these Harry & Megan episodes?

One errand I ran last week was TJ Maxx.  My goal was to not purchase anything this month except for necessities, like groceries and gas.  I made it 20 days, but gave in when I saw these jeans.  I had always wanted a pair of gray jeans.  These are the Democracy brand jeans, which are very similar to Wit and Wisdom.  The jeans are sold as ankle length, which means they are the perfect length for me who is not tall.  The jeans were under $40, which is also a good deal on jeans.  

TJ Maxx also has so many cute Valentine items from kitchen towels, mugs, baking goods, blankets, pillows, hand soaps, etc.  I restrained from buying any of this, but they are darling to look at anyway!

I also worked on this puzzle, which I finished Sunday morning. It is of ice skaters at Central Park!

We went to church, I went grocery shopping and football was playing on the tv all day. The highlight was getting a face time call from my youngest.  I talk to her at least once a week, but it is rare that we face time, so that was a treat.

Praying for a good day!

Make-Up Routine

  I am sharing today some of my current/favorite make-up products.  I have a few things I really like, but most of it seems to be a lot of revolving products, based on being influenced by many of you:).  First, here is an overview of some of the products I have on hand now:

Below are my foundation products.  I have been using SuperGoop Glow Screen as my sunscreen for a few years now, which is also lightly tinted.  Last fall, I heard about Saint Jane sunscreen, from The Big Boo podcast.  This is a primer, moisturizer and sunscreen all in one.  Once I finish my current Glow Screen, I will try this Saint Jane and see what I think.  After applying sunscreen, I have used Tarte Skin Treat Tinted Moisturizer.  This is sold through Tarte, Ulta, Target and other places as well.   As much as I have liked this, I am going to try Cover Girl + Olay Simply Ageless foundation next.  I was able to get some on sale recently, so I will have it when needed. I also have some Tarte under eye concealer, but I don't use this every day.  

I recently also purchased these blush sticks by E.L.F.   I had been wanting to try these instead of a powder blush and I am a fan.  I purchased 2 colors, dazzling peony and luminous berry .  I sometimes add a bronzer (not pictured) and follow up with a powder. I have a Laura Mercier setting powder and also just recently ordered Airspun face powder.

Moving on to the eyes, I have become a fan of stick eye shadow.  I am currently using two colors/brands: Laura Mercier Caviar stick in strapless and Ulta beauty cream eye shadow stick in I lilac you a lot.  I also want to try Julep eyeshadow sticks, as recommended by Tanya.  I have been a fan of Stila eyeliner, as recommended by Sheaffer.  I also use an eyebrow brush as well.  For mascara, I am currently using Get Big Lashes by Essence, but am also a big fan of Lash Princess by Essence.  

On to the lips, I have a jar of random lip products that I will use from time to time.  However, as influenced by Jennifer, I just received this lipstick set by Qibest.  It comes with a variety of colors and can be ordred from Amazon.  I am using a lip liner pencil by NYX.

In the next few weeks, I am going to share a new manicure set I ordered and do a review.  I have only used it once and want to see how this holds up before I review it, so another beauty review will be coming up in a few weeks.  

Hang in there....January is halfway over!